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Residential Electrical Wire Sizes
Standard NM-B cable sizes for common residential circuits per NEC.
| Wire Size | Breaker Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 14/2 NM-B | 15A | Lighting, general outlets |
| 12/2 NM-B | 20A | Kitchen, bath, laundry, garage outlets |
| 12/3 NM-B | 20A | Split receptacles, 3-way switches with travelers |
| 10/2 NM-B | 30A | Water heater, AC condenser |
| 10/3 NM-B | 30A | Electric dryer (NEMA 14-30) |
| 8/3 NM-B | 40A | Electric cooktop, large AC units |
| 6/3 NM-B | 50A | Electric range/oven (NEMA 14-50), EV charger |
| 4/3 SER | 60A | Sub-panel feed, hot tub |
Electrical Rough-In Costs (2026)
Typical labor + material costs for residential electrical rough-in work. Ranges vary by region and complexity.
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard outlet (rough-in) | $100 - $200 |
| New 20A circuit | $200 - $400 |
| Dedicated 240V circuit | $300 - $600 |
| GFCI outlet | $100 - $300 |
| Panel upgrade (200A) | $2,000 - $4,500 |
| Whole-house rewire (per sq ft) | $6 - $10/sq ft |
| Smoke/CO detector (hardwired) | $50 - $150 per unit |
| Recessed light can (rough-in) | $75 - $175 |
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Last updated: 2026-04-06
What Actually Fails an Electrical Rough-In Inspection
I've worked alongside electricians on remodels for 20+ years, and the rough-in is where the real skill shows. Anyone can pull Romex through studs. Getting every wire sized right, every box filled within code limits, every nail plate in place, and the AFCI/GFCI plan dialed in so it passes on the first try - that separates a journeyman from someone who just owns wire strippers.
This checklist covers 38 items across 6 categories, organized the way the work actually flows: prep, panel, branch circuits, boxes and wiring, safety devices, then testing. I built it because I've seen too many rough-ins fail inspection over things that should have been caught before the inspector showed up. A missing nail plate, an overfilled box, a bedroom circuit without AFCI protection. Each one of those is a half-day callback and pushes your drywall schedule.
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Top 5 Rough-In Inspection Failures
These are the items I've seen fail inspection most often on residential electrical rough-ins:
- Missing nail plates. If wire passes through a stud within 1-1/4" of the face, a steel nail plate is required. Inspectors check every penetration. Miss one and you fail. At $0.15 per plate, there is no excuse.
- Wrong AFCI/GFCI protection plan. The most common code confusion. Which rooms need AFCI? Which need GFCI? Which need both? The answer depends on which NEC edition your jurisdiction has adopted. Get it wrong and the inspector sends you back to the supply house for different breakers.
- Overfilled boxes. NEC 314.16 limits how many conductors fit in each box size. A single-gang box with 4 wires, a switch, and two clamps is often over the limit. The inspector counts every conductor, device, and clamp. A $2 box swap before drywall beats a $200 callback after.
- Cables not stapled within 12 inches of each box. NEC 334.30 is specific: within 12 inches of every box and every 4.5 feet along the run. Loose cables fail. This is the easiest thing to get right and still gets missed.
- Boxes not flush with the expected finished wall surface. If drywall is going over the studs, the box must project the thickness of the drywall (typically 1/2") from the stud face. A recessed box creates a gap around the device plate, trapping heat and failing inspection.
Electrical Rough-In Material Costs (2026)
| Material | Cost per Unit | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 14/2 NM-B (250 ft) | $45 - $65 | 15A lighting and general outlet circuits |
| 12/2 NM-B (250 ft) | $65 - $95 | 20A kitchen, bath, laundry, garage circuits |
| 10/3 NM-B (per ft) | $1.50 - $2.50 | 30A dryer circuit |
| 6/3 NM-B (per ft) | $3.50 - $5.50 | 50A range/oven or EV charger circuit |
| 200A main panel | $150 - $350 | Standard residential panel (30-40 space) |
| AFCI breaker (each) | $35 - $55 | Required for bedrooms, living areas, hallways |
| GFCI receptacle (each) | $15 - $25 | Bathrooms, kitchen, garage, outdoor locations |
| Single-gang new-work box | $0.50 - $1.50 | Outlets and switches in new framing |
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How to Use This Calculator
Start with pre-rough-in prep
Review approved electrical plans, confirm load calculations, and mark all box locations on the framing before pulling any wire.
Work through panel, circuits, and boxes
Expand each category and check off items as you complete them. Tap the detail arrow for NEC code references, wire sizes, and field notes on each task.
Test all circuits and verify ground continuity
Test continuity on every circuit from panel to box. Check for reversed polarity, open grounds, and proper GFCI/AFCI protection before scheduling inspection.
Photograph and schedule inspection
Document all rough-in work with photos before insulation goes in. Print the checklist or share it with the inspector and project lead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is electrical rough-in?
Electrical rough-in is the phase where all wiring, outlet boxes, switch boxes, and the electrical panel are installed inside walls, ceilings, and floors before drywall goes up. It happens after framing and before insulation. The rough-in must pass a building inspection before walls can be closed. Rough-in typically accounts for 65-75% of the total electrical labor on a residential project.
How much does electrical rough-in cost for a new house?
Electrical rough-in for a typical 2,000 sq ft new construction home costs $8,000 - $15,000 for labor and materials, including the panel, all branch circuits, and device boxes. Smaller homes (1,200 sq ft) run $5,000 - $9,000. Larger homes with high-end finishes, smart home wiring, or multiple sub-panels can reach $20,000+. Remodel rough-in costs 30-50% more because of demolition and working around existing wiring.
What wire size do I need for a 20-amp circuit?
A 20-amp circuit requires 12 AWG copper wire (12/2 NM-B for standard circuits, 12/3 for circuits needing a neutral and two hots). Using 14 AWG wire on a 20-amp breaker is a code violation. NEC Table 310.16 governs ampacity ratings. For 15-amp circuits, 14 AWG is the minimum. For 30-amp circuits (dryer, water heater), use 10 AWG.
Where are GFCI outlets required in a house?
NEC 210.8(A) requires GFCI protection in: bathrooms, kitchens (within 6 feet of a sink), garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, laundry areas, and within 6 feet of any sink in the dwelling. GFCI protection can be provided at the breaker or at the first receptacle in the circuit (which protects all downstream outlets on that circuit).
What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI?
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against electric shock by detecting current leaking to ground (as little as 4-6 milliamps). AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects against fires by detecting dangerous electrical arcs from damaged wiring or loose connections. GFCI is required where water is present. AFCI is required in living spaces (bedrooms, living rooms, hallways). Some locations require both, which is handled by dual-function AFCI/GFCI breakers.
How many outlets can be on one circuit?
The NEC does not specify a maximum number of outlets per circuit for residential work, but practical limits exist. The 80% rule (NEC 210.20) limits continuous loads to 80% of the breaker rating: 12 amps on a 15A circuit and 16 amps on a 20A circuit. Rule of thumb: 8-10 outlets or lights on a 15A circuit, 10-12 on a 20A circuit. Kitchen countertop and bathroom circuits have specific limits set by NEC 210.52.
How long does an electrical rough-in take?
A standard 2,000 sq ft home takes 3-5 days for a two-person crew to rough in. A single bathroom remodel takes 4-8 hours. A kitchen remodel with dedicated circuits typically takes 1-2 days. Complexity adds time: smart home pre-wire, whole-house audio, EV charger circuits, and generator transfer switches each add half a day or more. The rough-in inspection itself adds another day of wait time.
What do electrical inspectors check during rough-in?
Inspectors check: wire sizes match the approved plans and breaker ratings, box fill does not exceed NEC limits, nail plates are installed wherever wire passes within 1-1/4" of a stud face, cables are properly stapled (within 12" of each box and every 4.5 feet), AFCI/GFCI plan matches code requirements, grounding is complete and continuous, and box heights are correct. Missing nail plates and incorrect AFCI coverage are the two most common fail items.
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